What members experienced
What Our Members Say
These are the experiences of Business Owners, CEOs and Managing Directors who brought the decisions, challenges and opportunities that matter into the Circle and met as equals around them.
Some members’ relationships with Alan have also extended into separate Alchemists 1:1 and Alchemists INside engagements. These are not automatically included in Circle membership.
Consequential moments
Before joining the group, I would delay decision-making and become obsessive about the detail. I felt things had to be fully perfect before moving forward. The group helped me become more confident and instinctive in my decisions. It really was like having ‘the board you could never afford’ right at your fingertips—people with whom I could discuss issues confidentially. After one year, I merged my business and increased the headcount significantly. I became more ambitious, and the confidence I gained continued to fuel my drive to grow the business. Alan listens carefully before challenging you. His insight and support have stood the test of time.
Patrick McAliskey
Novosco
Relationship included: The Alchemists Circle · Alchemists 1:1 · The Alchemists INside
As CEO of a business whose team had doubled in 18 months, I needed to make sure our vision did not remain in my head. New teams and new leaders were emerging quickly, and I needed to bring them into shaping where we were going. Being part of the Alchemists Circle gave me a regular space for high-honesty, high-respect conversations. Alan knew our business, listened carefully, and I trusted him to steer the conversation well. It helped me identify possible points of resistance, think about how to win hearts and minds, and work through the questions that mattered as we scaled. The Circle helped me keep people involved, motivated and aligned as the business grew.
Stuart Harvey
CEO, Datactics
Relationship included: The Alchemists Circle · Alchemists 1:1 · The Alchemists INside
Stepping away from my business for one day each month initially felt difficult to justify. I came to realise that it was both doable and very worthwhile. It gave me the space to lift my head out of the detail and see the bigger picture. Being part of the Alchemists Circle meant having a highly supportive group around me, offering advice, insight and moral support through personal and business dilemmas. When one member faced a serious difficulty, the rest of the group literally dropped everything and weighed in to help. Alan challenged my thinking through robust testing and one-to-one coaching, while guiding the group so we got the best from one another’s experience. The Circle helped me make clearer and slightly braver decisions about my business.
Dorcas Crawford
Senior Partner, Edwards & Co; Mediator and Founder, The Better Way
Relationship included: The Alchemists Circle · Alchemists 1:1 · The Alchemists INside
At a crossroads, making a tough decision, it is invaluable to have that wealth of knowledge and experience to call upon — making the way forward clear to see.
Dominic Walsh
Chief Executive, Hospital Services Limited
Relationship included: The Alchemists Circle · Alchemists 1:1 · The Alchemists INside
More voices from inside the Circle
The Alchemists has helped me introduce new working practices into my week that I doubt I could have otherwise. Knowing that future problems yet to be seen can be shared easily within the group is a nice form of insurance policy.
Paul Black
CEO & Owner, ALPHA Group
I felt I'd be 'the poor relation'. I learnt very quickly that I was equal in the room. The welcoming atmosphere was amazing and it allowed me to rebuild lost confidence I'd kept hidden from the outside world.
Louise McCabe
MD & Owner, Angel Accounting
'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.' The support and wisdom of other entrepreneurs has helped me filter decisions that ensure my businesses go far. It's the half day I need the most.
Russell Kelly
Managing Director, Fuelwise
A group of seasoned professionals from differing backgrounds I could learn from, bounce ideas off and be challenged by. Growing professionally in a trusted, authentic environment has been a positive step forward.
Joanne O'Doherty
CEO, Kinsetsu
Instead of solely focusing on individual desk work, joining has allowed me to actively engage and learn from highly skilled owners across industries. The one-to-ones with Alan push me to expand my thinking.
Shelley Martin
Co-Founder & CEO, 4Beauty Group
Being a founder and CEO, it can be lonely at the top. This group allows you to share and learn in a safe environment.
Paul Stewart
Founder & CEO, MYBAGGAGE
A safe space where I can talk openly about the challenges I face in my leadership role. The power is being in a room with people who have faced similar challenges. The time out each month is invaluable.
Angela Craigan
Partner, Harbinson Mulholland
Alan’s insights are developmental and thought provoking… taking the ordinary, and helping make it extraordinary! I highly recommend you check out Alan’s work
Sheila Owens
CIPD MIoD, Vice President Human Resources, Leviat
Thanks for all your help and support over the last few years. The journey has been an eventful one, but has taught me the meaning of the old saying, ‘if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ We have come far with the help of the Alchemists.
Paul Vaughan
Operations Manager at Box-It (Ireland) Ltd | Driving Operational Excellence, Team Performance & Continuous Improvement | Lean Operations | Customer Focused Leadership
As a speaker at the ALCHEMISTS CIRCLE in Belfast earlier this month I was very impressed by, not only the set up of the day, but the quality of the members that Alan has attracted to the Group. This CIRCLE gives the group of CEO's and MD's the opportunity to discuss completely openly their day to day issues and plan strategically without prejudice, they offer a huge amount of support to each other - invaluable, and importantly the trust and respect was evident, as well as a good deal of humour. I would definitely recommend giving it a trial.
Moyra Race
Global Buying Consultant, Interim Buying Support Service provider, Online Trainer for a growing Buying Academy. Specialist in perfecting Buying and Sales Strategies and understanding the 'Buyer’s Mindset'
The insight which Alan brings to other businesses which is most valuable. Rather than just being another pair of eyes, he asks questions that seem obvious and yet searching for the answers brings surprising results. He helps to build teams and individuals but not at any cost and always with integrity.
Gwynneth Cockcroft
Owner, dcp Strategic Communication, Business Consultant
Alan has broad expertise across a number of different businesses and is especially adept at isolating the critical issue amongst the many; at identifying root causes and synthesizing creative solutions based on his experience. He is pretty rigorous in ensuring that you are honest with yourself; so be prepared.
Eamonn Whelan
General Manager | Volunteer | Referee | Mentor | ex GE
Alan Branagh is a consumate professional who is capable of interfacing at the highest levels of business.
Howard Wells OBE Hon D UNIV (BNU)
Chairman Dacorum Sports Network at Dacorum Sports Network
I've seen for myself that Alan has the passion, skill, and experience to inspire business executives to achieve way beyond their norm.
Mike Wilsher
The Ultimate Personal Board
Begin.
Meet Alan for a coffee.
The first step is a short, private conversation with Alan.
Tell him what has brought you to the Circle and what you are looking for from a Personal Board. Alan will explain how the Circle currently works and explore mutual fit with you.
There is no sales sequence. Your message goes directly to Alan and remains confidential.